Returning from the Target
Weapons
RETURNING FROM THE TARGET
RENDEZVOUS
During the final run, the flight lead will call "In cold (hot), last pass, last pass." Coming off target, the lead
will call "1 off safe, off-target rendezvous," and will normally continue straight ahead while climbing to the
pre-briefed rendezvous altitude and slowing to 250 KIAS. Other flight members repeat the call as they
come off target, adding to the call the total number of aircraft they have in sight. A typical call would be,
"Three off safe, off-target rendezvous, two in sight." If blind on everyone, say "zero in sight: rather than
"none in sight," as this sounds too much like "one in sight." When #2 calls off, lead will begin a 250 knot,
30-degree AOB turn in a pre-briefed direction, usually in the same direction as the pattern. Each mem-
ber of the flight climbs to their sanctuary altitude, which is 500 ft below the preceding aircraft, and
performs a standard CV rendezvous on lead. Stay 500 ft below the preceding aircraft until fuselage
alignment, bearing, and closure are under control. Never climb above your interval during the rendez-
vous. If you come off target and do not have your interval in sight, climb to your sanctuary altitude and
begin a 250 knot, 30-degree AOB turn in the direction of the flight until you regain sight.
At the rendezvous, you should have expended all your ordnance. If you have not done so, attempt to
release all your bombs on the last run, even if you have to pickle multiple bombs. Rockets must be
released prior to the last run as you must not fire forward into the rendezvous--the last rocket run is
always cold.
HUNG ORDNANCE CHECK
The hung ordnance check is made during the off-target rendezvous. During the final stages of the
rendezvous, #4 checks the flight for hung bombs. The flight lead places the flight in cruise at which time
#2 balances the formation. Upon lead's command, the flight members report their switches safe, highest
g pulled, and fuel remaining; #4 adds "flight clean" or which aircraft are hung ordnance.
RTB/FIELD ENTRY
Upon return to the field, flights will normally proceed to the initial and enter the break.
HUNG ORDNANCE APPROACH
If only one wingman has hung ordnance, the lead will reshuffle the flight if necessary to place that aircraft
in the #2 or #4 cruise position. He will detach it from the flight prior to initial. If you are detached, fly a
hung ordnance approach in accordance with local course rules; the rest of the flight will enter the break
as usual.
If the lead is hung, or if more than one aircraft is hung, you must make a formation hung ordnance
approach. Lead establishes the flight in trail by detaching wingmen at 20-second intervals. He begins to
detach aircraft from the flight so that he can be established on speed no closer to the runway than 2 nm.
When you are detached from the flight, reduce power to idle and extend speed brakes. Passing 200 kts,
extend gear and half flaps, retract speed brakes, and slow to 150 kts. Follow the lead's flight path and
do not descend below 300 ft AGL until you acquire a ball. At 3 miles from the runway, extend speed
brakes and full flaps, and slow to on-speed. Make your gear call to the tower in proper flight order. Flare
to 600 fpm for pylon restrictions.
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